What is formative assessment in middle childhood education?

Formative assessment in middle childhood education refers to ongoing assessments that actively monitor student learning throughout the instructional process. This approach allows educators to gather real-time feedback about students' understanding and skills, enabling them to make informed decisions about instruction and provide immediate support tailored to individual needs.

By engaging in formative assessments, teachers can identify areas where students may be struggling and adjust their teaching methods accordingly. This continuous process encourages a growth mindset, fostering a supportive learning environment where feedback is used constructively. Ultimately, it helps educators promote student achievement by ensuring that learning is happening effectively and efficiently over time.

Other options, such as final exams or end-of-year assessments, are summative assessments, which evaluate student learning at the conclusion of an instructional unit or year. These do not provide the ongoing insights that formative assessments do. Additionally, tests exclusively for high-achieving students do not embody the inclusive nature of formative assessment, which aims to support all learners regardless of their current performance levels.